Page 224 of Steeling Her
“This is an amazing set up you have,” I compliment them.
“We spent a lot to get the best for the team. Over fifty million went into this center.” My own mouth drops a little from the amount they spend on their team. I know that my brother gets paid more than that, and it shouldn’t surprise me, but it always does.
“Well, has she got the job yet, David?” I roll my eyes when I hear my brother’s voice. This is the last thing I wanted, for him to intervene. The interview didn’t go too badly, but I don’t think I landed the job itself. This is a lot of responsibility for a person who doesn’t have the right experience, and for him to saunter over like I nailed it and have it in my hands makes me want to punch him in the throat for being so cocky and obnoxious for me.
“Chris,” I warn him about being careful with what he’s going to say next. He has always gotten the curse of running his mouth too much where it’s not needed. He has gotten into trouble far too many times thanks to it.
He ignores me and wraps me up in a hug, squeezing the life out of me.
“Chris!” I moan after smelling his stench and feeling his sweaty body ruin my new suit.
“Listen, my baby sister is the best of the best in this state.” He’s talking me up and I couldn’t hold another eye roll. I pinch him in his side, making him flinch a little, but it’s not enough for him to stop. “You know it, I know it, and my father knows it. The best,” he continues. I throw my hands to my head in embarrassment. I step on his foot to let him know he needs to shut up before I hit him where it really hurts and making sure Taylor will be his only child.
“You’re not the first one to tell us that, Chris.” They laugh together. I know my dad also said something to them, but I will have a talk with him about it later. Right now, I need to handle my older brother first.
“I’m so sorry,” I say to David. “Don’t you have a workout to do?” I say to my older brother through gritted teeth. Taking the hint, he removes himself from me and nods with a smile on his face.
“Remember, the best.” He points at me while looking at the interviewing panel.
“Goodbye, Chris.” I wave him off so he can leave us alone. This is not over yet; he thinks I have the job.
“Bye, guys!” He returns to his station with the trainer and continues where he left off. No doubt, I will kill him when he gets home and will make him feel every bit guilt for saying that to the people who are judging me. It wasn’t a fair fight for any of the other contenders, if there are any.
***
Nick
“I can’t wait to just veg out with Haley and eat my cheat meal. She’s making my favorite, enchiladas with extra cheese.” TJ licks his lips at the thought of Haley making his favorite meal, ready and waiting for him at home. “What is she making you?” Haley loves to cook for everyone when she gets the chance, it’s why there are so many parties at her house and she makes all the food.
“My nutritional plan,” I say nonchalantly.
“You’re not having a cheat meal?” he asks as we walk towards the front entrance of his house.
“No, I haven’t had one in five years, TJ,” I respond, not being able to get the image of Carter in the gym today out of my head.
“Five years! How the hell have you not eaten your favorite cheat meal in five years?” he exclaims.
“It’s called discipline.” I roll my eyes and he pushes open the door.
“No, it’s called being no fun,” he mutters as Haley greets us at the door with open arms. We throw our gym bags onto the floor of the foyer and Haley glares at us.
“Put them upstairs.” She points at them and we do as we are told before we eat together. “And wash your hands too,” she mutters as she returns into the dining area.
“Serious question though.” I begin to pick up my bag once again to bring it upstairs.
“Shoot.” TJ copies me and follows me up the stairs.
“Which one of you really wears the pants in the relationship?” He starts barking out a laugh. It makes me laugh too.
“I’m not ashamed to admit it, Nick. Obviously, Haley and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he remarks as he disappears into his room to clean up for his dinner.
As soon as we return downstairs, we were greeted with an empty dining room. We both send each other quizzical looks, wondering what is going on.
“Haley?” TJ calls for her.
“In the TV room!” she calls back. As soon as we follow her voice, we’re greeted by an almighty spread of food that she has cooked for us. Nachos, fajitas, and enchiladas are all laid out on the table for TJ. “I made you the nutritional ones, Nick.” She points at the separate bowl containing my food that has been prepared for me. I walk over and give her a big hug.
“Thank you, Haley. It smells good.” I kiss her on the head before taking my place in front of the TV where she has the NFL Recaps playing for us. “I take it back, Ellie isn’t my favorite,” I say with a grin, only for her to roll her eyes with a smile and throw a Gatorade Zero to me. After today, I needed it.
